2003 Outside Linebacker Rankings

Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

02/15/2003

<br>A thin year for the prospects that fill the board at outside linebacker as there are only a few complete players at this position and even they have some shortcomings or question marks. <br><br>
Will the San Diego Chargers consider an outside linebacker to groom as a replacement to Junior Seau who could be in his last year?

"Following in the footsteps of his brothers at Georgia, Boss Bailey is another family defender that causes an impact and like older sibling Champ, a complete football player that will quickly earn playing time in the NFL." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: The next productive football player from the Bailey household. Athletic, explosive and a complete linebacker. Breaks down well, efficient defending the run and terrific in pass coverage. Gets depth on his drops covering an exceptional amount of area on the field to the point where he is effective over the slot receiver on third and long situations. Easily runs down the field opposing tight ends, smooth turning back to the ball and redirects to the pass nicely in mid-air, making the tough interception. Quick changing direction, scrapes well to the flanks and stays on his feet. Deceptively strong and slides off blocks on his way to the action. Squares into the tackle and easily brings opponents down on initial contact.

The Bad: Has a history of knee injuries which must be checked out.

The Skinny: First round talent but the knee injuries may red flag him and push him deeper into the first round than his playing skills would warrant.

The Good: Forceful run defender best in a straight line. Disciplined, plays assignment football and quick to read or anticipate the action. Strong, holds his ground against blocks and bulls his way up the field squaring into the tackle, wrapping up, then easily bringing the ball carrier down on initial contact. Gets adequate depth on his pass drops.

The Bad: Lacks the quick or fluid change of direction, not fast laterally nor does he redirect well. Poor size/speed numbers; built for the weak-side but plays like a strong-side linebacker.

The Skinny: Needs to prove at the Senior Bowl he can defend the pass and make plays out to the sidelines if he's to break into the drafts first day.

"With all the talent coming out of the Pac Ten on a yearly basis someone is bound to get overlooked. That player is Oregon State linebacker Nick Barnett, an explosive middle line defender that plays with the same intensity and productivity as did the man he replaced." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: Fast, heady linebacker with a good feel for the game. Reads and anticipates the action, quick filling the gaps and constantly flying around the ball. Gets depth on his pass drops, displays great range and makes plays in every direction of the field. Has a burst of speed, easily runs with opponents in pass coverage and scrapes well laterally, quickly cutting off the corners from ball carriers. Very active.

The Bad: Small, overwhelmed at the point and not an efficient linebacker. Over-pursues the action and does not play with great body control.

The Skinny: Solid weak-side prospect that must be put in schemes that will protect him. Possibly a nickel linebacker placed on the field in third and long.

"The University of Michigan has a habit of producing explosive linebackers that fall short of the desired size/strength/speed numbers NFL teams are looking for and as a result drop down draft boards. The bottom line is these players go on to produce at the next level. Make room for Victor Hobson." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: Tough, heady linebacker that defends both the run and pass. Quick reading or anticipating the action, immediately picks up pass cover assignments and plays with a good degree of instinct. Breaks down well, finds his way through the traffic and always looking to get involved in the action. Rarely off his feet and displays exceptional range, scraping well to the sidelines or getting depth on his pass drops. Displays a burst to the ball carrier and has a good degree of suddenness to his game.

The Bad: Very slow to shed and gets wired in blocks with opponents. Solid in pass defense but does not stand out. Does not time well in the forty and short.

The Skinny: Going to be downgraded because of poor size/speed numbers but like his predecessors (Ian Gold, Dhani Jones) will find a place at the next level and comfortably fit in.

"A talented football player like his wide receiver brother, Angelo Crowell impacts the game from several linebacker spots when he puts his mind to it." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: Heady linebacker that impacts the game when focused. Reads and anticipates the action, quick to recognize plays and takes good angles to the ball carrier. Breaks down well playing with leverage and forward lean, then holds his ground against blocks. Gets depth on his pass drops and also finds his way through the traffic to the action.

The Bad: Compact build and engulfed by larger opponents. Seemingly gives half-hearted efforts at times. Plays outside but may project inside due to size/speed concerns.

The Skinny: Knows the game but must apply his skills for sixty minutes. May only be effective in limited schemes.

"It seems the University of Arizona always has productive collegiate linebackers on their roster; smart, hard-working middle line defenders that get the job done. These players don't always project well to the next level; is that the case for Lance Briggs?" Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: Tough, hard working linebacker with a good feel for the position. Quick in his head and immediately recognizes the action, picking up all his assignments. Disciplined, takes great angles to the action and flies around the field working to make positive plays. Slides through the open gaps, gets to the action and squares into tackles, wrapping up the ball carrier.

The Bad: Lacks speed to the flanks, has only a short burst which cannot be sustained and below average skills against the pass. Does more chasing then actual covering in pass defense and better making plays up the field.

The Skinny: Heady defender and a terrific leader on defense but must improve his ability to make plays in every direction and really fine tune his pass coverage abilities. Possible inside linebacker in a three-four scheme and someone that could be a gem on special teams.

"The previous two seasons in Baton Rouge, Bradie James was half of a great one-two punch at linebacker. But after Trev Faulk left for the NFL, James was needed to take a leadership role for LSU. And though he did many wonder if James has the physical skills to succeed at the next level." Tony Pauline-TFY Draft Preview

The Good: Tough, hard working linebacker that may not possess the great upside potential for the next level. Above average athlete, quick moving up the field filling the gaps in run defense, getting through the traffic to the ball carrier. Gets adequate depth on his pass drops, redirects well and squares into his tackles.

The Bad: Not fast to the flanks, cannot cut the corners off from running backs and does not stand out. Seems a bit hesitant in pass coverage.

The Skinny: Not all that much better as a prospect than former teammate Trev Faulk, who went undrafted after leaving LSU early last April.

Projected order in draft: Late 5th round.

To view the entire list of outside linebackers available for the 2003 NFL Draft,
click here.